Marcia Woodruff Dalton

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Smith College University of Louisville

Marcia Dalton Obituary

DALTON, Marcia Woodruff 73, of Barnstable, died Tuesday, June 22, 2010 in Louisville, KY, from cancer. Marcia was born in Boston, grew up in Wellesley, and spent many summers and the last 25 years of her life in Barnstable, MA. She also lived for many years in Anchorage, KY. A graduate of Wellesley High School and Smith College, she had a master's from Harvard and a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville. Recently retired as an adjunct professor of English at Cape Cod Community College, she continued to teach at Spalding University's brief-residency MFA program. She was an active volunteer and docent for the Cape Cod Natural History Museum and a longtime member of the Chatham Chorale. Marcia was a poet and in April published her first novel, "The Ice Margin" (Fleur-de-Lis Press, Louisville). She leaves behind her sisters, Mary Lou Street (Earl) and Nancy Morganstern of Barnstable; four children, Katherine Boyer (Mark) and Clay Dalton (Lisa) of Louisville, Lisle Dalton (Rebekah Ambrose-Dalton) of Otego, NY, and Laura Dalton (David Renner) of Portland, OR. She also leaves three grandchildren, Ann, Virginia and Roscoe; her ex-husband, Roger Dalton (Lucy); and extended family and friends, who will remember her as a vital woman who loved people, Cape Cod, music and the natural world. Funeral services will be Tuesday July 6, 2010 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Barnstable, 3300 Main Street (Route 6A), Barnstable MA 02630. Burial will be private. Gifts in her honor may be made to the Cape Cod Natural History Museum 869 Route 6A, Brewster, MA. 02631 or www.ccmnh.org, or (508) 896-3867 or to the Chatham Chorale, P. O. Box 1111 West DennisMA02670or www.chatham chorale.org or 888-556-2707.

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Published by Boston Globe on Jun. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcia Dalton

10 Entries

Melanie Chabot

July 8, 2010

I met Marcia when I attended Cape Cod Community College as a nontraditional age student. She was my instructor in a couple of classes, and I learned so much from her, both academically and as an example to me of a woman whose intellect, grace, dignity and good humor stood as a role model of excellence. She was so accomplished at so many things and everyone who knew her will surely not forget her. My sincere condolences for your loss.

July 6, 2010

I just learned of Marcia's passing today. I used to play tennis with her over 20 years ago and she stopped playing after a few years. She was a good person and I'm sorry for your loss.

Elaine Brennan
Yarmouthport

Roy Hoffman

July 5, 2010

Over the course of several years in Louisville, I thoroughly enjoyed - and came to anticipate - my twice-yearly visits with Marcia during Spalding's residencies. We shared news of what we were writing, hoping to write, dreaming to write, caught each other up to date on our respective lives up North or down South, and became enjoyably philosophical talking about art and literature and life. She had such brightness, such enthusiasm about her -- visiting with Marcia always gave me a lift. One of the last times I saw her was a very special moment. I'd just bought a copy of her brand spanking new novel in the Spalding bookstore and I sought her out in the breakfast room to have her autograph it for me. I could tell that the novel, as for many of us when we publish, was more than just a "book," it represented a journey, a voyage of self, a goal achieved of the heart as well of career. I was very proud of her. She was, of course, modest, but deep down, I knew, she was gratified, wonderfully pleased, that she had accomplished this vital goal. I will always remember her like that -- full of life, happy, successful, seizing the beauty and joy of every moment, and sharing so much warmth and enthusiasm with her many friends. I will miss her.

Sheryl Lerner

July 1, 2010

I didn't know Marcia but had just finished reading her book, "The Ice Margin". I was in the process of figuring out how to e-mail or write to her to let her know how much I enjoyed the book - especially having lived on Cape Cod for 40 years - it was so easy to identify with the characters. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Brian Farrell

June 28, 2010

It was my distinct pleasure to know Marcia during the four years I lived in Barnstable and sang with her in the Chatham Chorale, and I was very sad to hear of her passing. She was a truly warm person as well as a kind and generous neighbor, inviting me to use one of her kayaks any time I wished to paddle out into the bay. But my favorite memory is that she always greeted me with a smile at Chorale rehearsals, and was always interested in how I was adjusting to life on Cape Cod. Whenever I visit in the future, I will always think of Marcia, especially when I gaze out across the bay. My sincere condolences to all her family.

Laura West Heiskell

June 27, 2010

Lisle, Laura, Kathy and Clay-

I was so sorry to read about your mother today. I remember her as a warm lady, always with a smile on her face, as she kept up with all you kids romping around Anchorage. Having lost my Mom 3 years ago, I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May time pass quickly enough such that you remember her and smile, as I'm sure she would want for her children.

Blessings,

Jeanie Thompson

June 24, 2010

I am so sad to hear of Marcia's passing. I enjoyed visiting with her at the last Spalding residency in May where she and I had a chance to sit and chat, discussing her lovely new book and her plans to market it. She made such a difference in the lives our students. We will miss her. My personal condolences to all her family.

Julie Brickman

June 24, 2010

I had such pleasure over the past year as I grew closer to Marcia. She was a woman of sensitivity, talent, generosity and a great depth of spirit she didn't always share. Her novel, The Ice Margin, which I had the honor to blurb, was
an amazingly gripping and beautiful work, the characters strong and lovable, deeply interior. I looked forward to her next work and to our deepening friendship and will miss her fiercely. My condolences to all who loved her.

Ellie Bryant

June 24, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of Marsha's passing and glad I was able to hear her read last month from her new novel. Two years ago she gave me lunch at her Barnstable beach house, and we had a wonderful talk while she drove me around Dennisport to show me the sights. Marsha was a warm and intelligent woman, and I speak for the students and faculty at Spalding University when I say we're going to miss her.

FLOWERS DAVID

June 24, 2010

All that touched her during her life will miss Marsha. We consider ourselves being lucky to be part of the family and shared her warmth and love. She will truly be missed.

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